by Kristi Jain | Sep 6, 2023 | Uncategorized
Today’s blog covers a subject that might make my bestie Barbie barf. We will attempt to debunk the myths about eating fruit. Personally, I love fruit and eat it regularly. My bestie has probably eaten it once in her lifetime!
FRUIT
There have been articles written about this “diet saboteur” claiming that fruit has too much sugar and is fattening. The natural sugar that’s found in fruit and even vegetables is different from refined sugar.
DEBUNK THE MYTH
Thewell.northwell.edu reports the notion that fruit has too much sugar is a myth. Different sugars affect our blood sugar differently and are processed in different ways. While whole fruit does have sugar, it is also generally low in calories and is packed with fiber. The average Joe is not going to gain weight from fruit.
ORGANIC?
Organic fruit is not more nutritious than other types however buying organic will help you avoid pesticides and chemicals.
DRIED
Although dried fruit has the same nutrients as fresh, it’s not the healthier choice. That’s because it’s much more concentrated so the calorie density and sugar content are higher. Dried fruit may also have added sugars as well as preservatives not found in fresh fruit.
JUICING
This paragraph might be pretty unpopular. “The Well” also reports that juicing is not always a good option. It removes fiber and nutrients from whole fruit and can often be high in calories. That’s why unlike fresh fruit there is consistent evidence that fruit juice increases the risk of weight gain, especially in children and has been associated with type 2 diabetes.
CHOICES
Most fruits are a healthy choice however some are even better for you because some can be lower in sugar and higher in fiber. It is reported that pears, apples and berries are a great choice. Fruits like bananas do have a higher sugar and carb content. At the risk of repeating myself, no one got obese eating bananas.
SUPPORT LOCAL
Dietician Julie Kramer from “The Well by Northwell” suggests eating local fruit is actually healthier. The reason is without a long haul to a faraway market, local fruit is allowed to ripen more fully on the vine or tree allows it to mature with the highest possible vitamin and mineral content.
DO I HAVE TO?
Barbie, I hate to be the bearer of bad news. Even though it contains sugar, it is reported that fruit intake may also help reduce the risk of stroke, certain types of cancer and hypertension. Perhaps that’s why the American Heart Association suggest two servings of fruit each day.
THERE YOU HAVE IT
The benefits to eating fruit far outweighs the downside. Fruit has great nutritional qualities and it can be pretty delicious. There you have it, lose the guilt and have some fruit.
HDD
Although ultrasound and fruit have nothing in common, we’d like you to be aware of the health benefits of both. If we can help within of your diagnostic ultrasound needs, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Aug 30, 2023 | Uncategorized
I would like to extend an invitation to you to read this week’s HDD blog. I appreciate you taking the time and hope I can offer you something to think about. Inspiration came to me this morning as I was stroking on a second coat of extension mascara in an effort to bolster my modest eyelashes. Stick with me on this one. I do have a point.
EXTEND
Let’s review. Cambridge dictionary reminds us that the verb extend means to reach, continue or stretch. Think about it for a minute. Did you need, give or get any sort of extension today? Perhaps your cord was too short, you needed extra time to pay a bill, you wanted to show appreciation or you needed someone to lend an ear. All good examples of extension.
IS THAT A GOOD THING?
Think about what you do each day. Does your job or life extend you or do you feel overextended? Paradoxically speaking, extension can be both beneficial and detrimental. Extending benefits, coverage, credit, available hours, knowledge and service can be valuable as far as business is concerned. Personally overextending yourself physically, mentally and emotionally can take its toll. Maybe it is time to revisit the idea of balance.
THE POWER OF KINDNESS
The one thing you don’t have to worry about overextending is kindness. Through teaching and learning, it is something we can extend all day every day. If you have a choice, choose kindness. Success.com gave me some ideas about simple easy ways to extend kindness.
MAKE SOMEONES DAY
Try extending an act of kindness without expectation of receiving something in return. Act generously. It heightens your happiness by releasing 50% more oxytocin (the feel-good chemical in your brain.) Be nice in the right way. Lose that part of the ego that feeds a sense of pride for acting generously. No need to play the part of the hero. Respond with kindness. Every interaction is a new opportunity to benefit.
CONTAGION
We are not talking about the latest viral epidemic. Not only is it okay, it is important to spread positivity. Researches have investigated how perceptions and mindsets can be transferred to others. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. If there is an issue, try shooting for a more positive behavioral change that is contagious and easily replicated.
WHEN IN DOUBT, GIVE
The simple act of asking “what can I do, how can I help or what can I give?” can literally transform someone’s world. A generous heart is like no other. Extend that generous heart not only to others but to yourself as well. Always take care of number one.
SPEAKING OF…
Take care of yourself. You are number one. Ahead of the spouse, the kids and the job, you are it. If you are not good yourself, you can’t be good for others.
HDD always extends an invitation to help. If your health involves diagnostic ultrasound, call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Aug 20, 2023 | Uncategorized
Today’s blog asks if you have ever shared an experience similar to one I had recently. Actually, my experience happens a bit more often than I care to admit. It has to do with paying attention or a serious lack thereof and making conscious decisions verses unconscious decisions. How often do you find yourself flying on auto pilot? Read on and see if you can relate.
DID I STOP?
I was driving to the store recently and when I pulled into the parking lot and came to the realization that I remember little of the 5-minute trip from my house. I take the trip regularly and know there are 3 stop lights between here and there. I didn’t recall much of the trip much less if I was signaled to stop at the lights. I don’t recall if they were red, yellow or green. Did I stop? Yikes! Clearly, my mind was thinking about other things while my body, actions and reactions were on auto pilot.
CONSCIOUS MIND SIESTA
We understand what the subconscious mind is. For the most part, it is considered that part of you that is outside of your conscious awareness. It creates automatic programs like beliefs, behaviors and attitudes, without having to place too much attention on everything you are doing. It takes over when your conscious mind is taking a siesta.
ZERO EFFORT
Thankfully, my subconscious mind got me to and from the store safely without much conscious effort on my part. That is definitely not a good thing, however I believe many do it on a regular basis. How many times have you been behind the wheel thinking, talking, singing, or heaven forbid texting and completely missed your turn? Accidents can happen in a split second. Be aware! At this point in my life, I still drive an old-fashioned car that I have to physically operate. If you have a self-driving car, feel free to skip this week’s blog.
JUST A COUPLE OF REMINDERS…
First things first. This reminder is for your safety as well as the safety of others. Pay attention. Be present. Be in the moment. Hopefully your subconscious mind has done a splendid job so far helping guide you when you choose not to be fully present, however, one day that luck is going to run out. Here is another reminder. It may seem a bit random however, choosing a healthier lifestyle along with your healthcare should be a conscious decision. Auto pilot is not something you want to rely on when it comes to your health.
HDD
Think and choose carefully when it comes to your healthcare providers and facilities, that will be doing your assessing, testing and diagnosing. When diagnostic ultrasound is indicated, let our warm, friendly experienced staff help you with all your ultrasound needs. Do your homework, make the calls, ask the questions and read our numerous Google reviews. You will find that HDD is the obvious choice. Call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Aug 1, 2023 | Uncategorized
Today’s blog comes to you from the top of the world both literally and figuratively. I captured this image of our favorite CEO John Jain stepping off the high diving board a few summers ago. It makes me smile and I thought it was worth sharing!
YIKES!
He looks like he is walking on air. Being at the top looking down can be intimidating. This photo is an example of stepping out of your comfort zone as well as timing, which is important. I snapped a few shots consecutively to see if I could catch him in midflight. Voila!
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
If I shot this photo a second earlier or later, the result would have been different. Is there really ever a perfect time? In the case of this photo, yes. People procrastinate. The longer you avoid doing something, chances are you may never do it. Especially when it comes to your health.
GROWTH ZONE
“Your growth zone will always begin at the edge of your comfort zone.” Www.omaritani.com reminds us that if we don’t engage in new experiences, we don’t gain new perspectives.
SPEAKING OF ALTITUDE…
“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.”
-Zig Ziglar
Speaking of altitude…without climbing to the top of that ladder, John would have never known the perspective of plummeting toward a dive tank full of icy water and slapping his belly on the surface in front of a captive audience. I hope this expanded his growth zone!
FEAR
I am at the stage of life where if I believe it will cause me harm or injury, I’m out. This is why this is a photo of John on the high dive and not me! Fear is a real thing. It’s always prudent listen to your intuition, be cautious, but don’t let fear control you.
“Don’t let fear make your decisions for you.”
-Annette White
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
-Wayne Gretzky
“Sometimes it is good to be in uncomfortable situations because it is in finding our way out of such difficulties that we learn valuable lessons.”
-Idowu Koyenikan
“If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.
-Jim Rohn
MOTIVATION
It can be difficult to get motivated to step out of your comfort zone and into a healthier way of life. It isn’t always easy but it is worth it. Here are a few ways to get motivated.
- Be positive towards yourself.
- Set goals and continue to set new
- Be patient when it comes to reaching physical goals. Results take time.
- Make small changes to healthier options overtime.
- Exercise the way that suits you.
- Get enough sleep.
- Find mentors. Surround yourself with positive people.
- Don’t compete with anyone. This is your journey.
- Try new things.
HDD
The bunch at HDD sincerely wishes a stronger, steadier healthier you every day. You can do it (I’m not talking about plunging off the high dive!) If we can help call us at 505-350-3397.
by Kristi Jain | Jul 25, 2023 | Uncategorized
I am chuckling as I write this week’s blog. The title is most appropriate. I found myself reflecting on the past as I go through my normal morning routine. In my mind I repeated over and over “My how things change!”
FOR STARTERS…
Just this morning I was looking everywhere for my reading glasses. I went through each room in the house. I finally found my back up pair when I realized the ones I was looking for were perched on the top of my head. Really?
IF YOU THINK THAT IS BAD…
Recently I was rushing out the door to go to work. I was talking to my daughter on the phone as I hurriedly gathered my things. I freaked out because I couldn’t find my phone! Heaven forbid I lost it again. Imagine my surprise when I realized I was telling her how I lost my phone when I was actually talking on it. Seriously?
THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
As a younger woman, I was always thrilled when my husband surprised me with gifts. Sometimes it was my favorite Stargazer Lily bouquet, a bottle of champagne, dinners out, and if the occasion was special, I even got jewelry. What a sweetheart he is.
GET A LOAD OF THIS
My how things change as the number of candles on my birthday cake increase. I was surprised and thrilled yesterday when I received a new mop in the mail! It is guaranteed to make those everyday chores a bit more fun. How thoughtful of him! Today he came with…the blood pressure cuff that I wanted. With age comes…different kinds of gifts. Does that mean the honeymoon is over?
WITH AGE COMES…
Grey hair and wrinkles and hopefully wisdom. Mayoclinic.org reports there are other things happening. Aging also affects your teeth, heart and sexuality. The risk of high blood pressure increases, your bones tend to shrink making them susceptible to fracture and possibly making you become a bit shorter. Muscles lose their strength, endurance and flexibility which can affect your coordination, stability and balance. You digestive system experiences structural changes that can result in constipation. You bladder becomes less elastic resulting in a need to urinate more often or cause you to lose bladder control. In men an enlarged or inflamed prostate can cause difficulty emptying the bladder or incontinence. Your brain also undergoes changes that may have effects on your memory or thinking skills. Eyesight and hearing also diminish with age. Your metabolism tends to slow. If you decrease your activities and continue eating the same as usual, weight gain can become an issue.
THAT’S THE BAD NEWS
We can’t stop the aging process but we can enjoy the ride! You can make choices that improve your ability to maintain an active and healthy life. Include physical activity in your daily routine, eat a healthy diet, don’t smoke, brush and floss regularly, schedule regular checkups and have a good social network of family and friends. If we can help, call us at 505-350-3397.
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